World briefing

Troops raid mosque linked to Sadr

July 13, 2008

BAGHDAD, IRAQ — Government forces in the southern city of Diwaniyah burst into a mosque attended by followers of the rebel Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr on Friday, arresting the imam and four worshipers, including another cleric, Iraqi security officials said.

The raid on the Imam Ali mosque underscored the bitter, often violent feuding across southern Iraq between those loyal to Sadr and forces allied with the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Maliki and his allies face a strong challenge across southern Iraq by Sadr's followers in provincial elections planned for year's end.